Advocacy
Education & Community
Who We Are
We are a membership organization of Illinois anesthesiologists focused on furthering patient safety and the practice of our discipline through education, representation and advocacy for our members. We also provide our member physicians with opportunities to connect as a community through events and networking opportunities.
Over the past century, physician anesthesiologists have advanced patient safety through innovative research, science and technology advancements. Whether in the operating room, procedure room, intensive care unit or pain clinic, physician anesthesiologists are committed to delivering the safest medical care that every patient deserves before, during and after surgery.
Even though anesthesia is safer than ever, the administration of anesthesia is a complex and technically demanding medical procedure. It requires a physician who has the extensive medical education (up to 14 years) and clinical training (12,000-16,000 hours) to evaluate your medical condition, recommend an appropriate anesthesia plan, diagnose and treat problems that might surface during a procedure, and make critical, split-second decisions that can save your life.
Who is in charge of your life? You have a right to know. Before undergoing a surgical procedure, you need to know who will be providing your anesthesia and ask for your physician anesthesiologist. Be sure your physician anesthesiologist is aware of your prior anesthesia and medical history, as well as any medications you currently take.
For more information visit When Seconds Count.
PRESIDENT
Sean Adams, MD
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Tripti C. Kataria, MD, MPH
VICE PRESIDENT
Brian Birmingham, MD
SECRETARY
Adamina Podraza, MD
TREASURER
William Hauter, MD
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Ori Gottlieb, MD
ASA DIRECTOR
Joseph W. Szokol, MD
ASA ALTERNATE DIRECTOR
Asokumar Buvanendran, MD
SPEAKER
Jason Mitchell, MD
VICE-SPEAKER
Adam Young, MD
ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Lisa Solomon, DO
ASSISTANT TREASURER
Charles Kim, MD
ISA DISTRICT DIRECTORS
I. Stephan Cohn, MD
II. Michael Ander, MD
III. Ajay Gopalka, MD
IV. John Sudkamp, MD
ISA ALTERNATE DISTRICT DIRECTORS
I. Barbara Jericho, MD
II. Michael Haske, Jr., MD
III. Sasha Demos, MD
IV. James Priepot, MD
ISA PAC Chair
George Hefner, MD
ASA Delegates
2017-2019
Asokumar Buvanendran, MD
William Hauter, MD
Ted Yaghmour, MD
2018-2020
Charles Kim, MD
William Frame, MD
Adamina Podraza, MD
2019-2021
Sean Adams, MD
Brian Birmingham, MD
Tripti Kataria, MD
W. Stephen Minore, MD
Ori Gottlieb, MD
Timothy Starck, MD
Eric Werner, MD
ASA ALTERNATE DELEGATES 2019
Wendy Binstock, MD
Rebecca Blumenthal, MD
Sasha Demos, MD
Norbert Duttlinger, MD
Ajay Gopalka, MD
Michael Haske, Jr., MD
George Hefner, MD
Barbara Jericho, MD
Mina Oftadeh, DO
Jamie Priepot, MD
Lisa Solomon, DO
John Sudkamp, MD
Adam Young, MD
EXTRA
Alisha Bhatia, MD
Balbino Lopez, MD
Peggy Wheeler, MD
ISA House of Delegates
POSTPONED Saturday, April 25, 2020
ISA HQ: 20 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Due to the current restrictions on gatherings mandated by the state of Illinois, the House of Delegates meeting that was scheduled for April 25 at the ISA offices in Chicago has been postponed until further guidance is received.
However, any Active status member looking to connect with the Society can still self-nominate and participate in the meeting when it is rescheduled. Members will be notified when a new date is determined.
ISA is governed by a House of Delegates which is the process we follow to elect offices and formalize a discussion into an action plan. Delegates were elected through a ballot process which has been revised to a self-nomination/ registration form. Everyone attending the meeting is asked to bring issues to the meeting that they think deserve attention and get informed.
Registration is currently open. Click here to go to the online form.
P A S T P R E S I D E N T S
2018‑2019
2017‑2018
2016‑2017
2015‑2016
2014‑2015
2013‑2014
2012‑2013
2011‑2012
2010‑2011
2009‑2010
2008‑2009
2007‑2008
2006‑2007
2005‑2006
2004‑2005
2003‑2004
2002‑2003
2001‑2002
2000‑2001
1999‑2000
1998‑1999
1997‑1998
1996‑1997
1995‑1996
Ori Gottlieb, MD
Gary F. Tzeng, MD
Scott Jellish, MD
George G. Hefner, MD
Timothy W. Starck, MD
Thomas W. Cutter, MD
Edward Yaghmour, MD
Eric Werner, MD
Asokumar Buvanendran, MD
Ralph Glasser, MD
Wendy B. Binstock, MD
Joseph W. Szokol, MD
John E. Szewczyk, MD
Usharani Nimmagadda, MD
Stephen Minore, MD
David M. Rothenberg, MD
Timothy R. Lubenow, MD
John Paul McGee, II, MD
Jeffrey L. Apfelbaum, MD
Kenneth J. Tuman, MD
Sandra Drewes, MD
Steven C. Hall, MD
Andranik Ovassapian, MD
Rodney C. Osborn, MD
1994‑1995
1993‑1994
1992‑1993
1991‑1992
1990‑1991
1989‑1990
1988‑1989
1987‑1988
1986‑1987
1985‑1986
1984‑1985
1984‑1984
1983‑1984
1982‑1983
1981‑1982
1980‑1981
1979‑1980
1978‑1979
1977‑1978
1976‑1977
1975‑1976
1974‑1975
1973‑1974
1972‑1973
Jeffery Vender, MD
Hugh C. Gilbert, MD
Gary A. Draper, MD
Naomi Sidell, MD
Edward T. Toyooka, MD
Susan Polk, MD
Morton Shulman, MD
J. Perry Jordan, MD
Behrooz Zahed, MD
Michael Cristoforo, MD
Behrooz Zahed, MD
William Gottschalk, MD
Herbert M. Epstein, MD
Bernard Wetchler, MD
Robert B. Dodd, MD
Ronald F. Albrecht, MD
Anthony Ivankovich, MD
M. Ramez Salem, MD
Edward A. Brunner, MD
Henri S. Havdala, MD
R. Merle Stauffer, MD
Adel A. El‑Etr, MD
E. Trier Morch, MD, PhD
Edward S. Evenson, MD
1971‑1972
1970‑1971
1969‑1970
1968‑1969
1967‑1968
1966‑1967
1965‑1966
1964‑1965
1963‑1964
1962‑1963
1961‑1962
1960‑1961
1959‑1960
1958‑1959
1957‑1958
1956‑1957
1955‑1956
1954‑1955
1953‑1954
1952‑1953
1951‑1952
1950‑1951
1949‑1950
1948‑1949
Alon P. Winnie, MD
Raymond Rose, MD
John F. McKeage, MD
Max Sadove, MD
Vincent J. Collins, MD
Ernest Dewhirst, MD
Arthur T. Shima, MD
James A. Felts, MD
Max Sadove, MD
Richard Lyons, MD
Ernest F. Kreutzer, MD
Harold L. Harris, MD
Lawrence Ruttle, MD
Huberta Livingston, MD
James A. Felts, MD
Bernard Stodsky, MD
William O. McQuiston, MD
Frank M. Grem, MD
Herman J. Nebel, MD
Lewis Hitchner, MD
Bryce K. Ozanne, MD
Charles Anderson, MD
William O. McQuiston, MD
W. Allen Conroy, MD
Lobby Day 2020
Annual event held in March when we canvass the state capitol in Springfield to speak to legislators and explain the perspective of physician anesthesiologists. Anesthesiologists must remain engaged with those who implement the changes that will ultimately affect patient safety.
JUST IN: Lobby Day 2020, originally set for March 19, has been cancelled. Go to the Events page for full statement.
LATEST ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS
Past President’s Message
My Reflections of 2018 Gary Tzeng, MD After hard-fought legislative challenges, Illinois finally has significant Workman's Comp reform that enforces the late-payment penalties and advances the process (beyond paper and mail delivery) into the digital realm.ISA is...
Essentials from the ASA Annual Meeting 2018 in San Francisco
Gary Tzeng, MD ISA President 2017-2018 As always, the ASA Annual Meeting was full of meaningful educational, workshop and networking opportunities. SF remains a beautiful city that surprised this year’s attendees with great weather and yet challenged us with a labor...
A Message from ISA President Ori Gottlieb, MD
Ori Gottlieb, MDISA President, 2018-2019 At the House of Delegates' meeting, I took off my suit jacket and put on my lab coat. I hung a stethoscope around my neck and introduced myself as Dr. Gottlieb. I encouraged all of you to do the same when meeting your patients....
Rothenberg
I have been involved with the ISA for almost 30 years and have seen the organization provide outstanding platforms for the education of our constituency, and most importantly, been at the forefront for advocacy in protecting the well-being of our profession.
David M. Rothenberg, M.D. – District 1
Buvanendran
The power of anesthesiologists working together against influences that adversely affect our practice, is priceless. Complaining does not affect change – get involved!
Asokumar Buvanendran, M.D. – ASA Alternate Disctrict Director
Hulata
Payments and reimbursements are constantly changing. ISA is a great place to know how to prepare as well as shape the future.
David Hulata, M.D. – Disctrict 11
Adams
My practice had a tedious challenge with EPIC documentation of post anesthesia notes which no one seemed able to efficiently resolve. I called a neighboring colleague that I met at an ISA meeting who already implemented EPIC at their practice. They happily solved my problem in ten minutes which would take hours and numerous emails otherwise. My professional network has grown through the events ISA provides.
Sean Adams, M.D. – District III
Tzeng
The ISA has been so fulfilling to me and my practice! The ISA has helped my practice strategize for the future through its educational conferences, provided opportunity for me to develop amazing personal and professional relationships, and helped me grow as a physician advocate by providing opportunities and skills to effectively educate legislators about the critical role of physicians and especially anesthesiologists. ISA continues to be invaluable for my professional and personal growth as such a physician and anesthesiologist. My involvement in the ISA allows me the unique opportunity to shape and steer our profession and my future by being a proactive participant rather than a passive audience in today’s changing medical landscape.
Gary Tzeng, M.D. – District III
Awards
Distinguished Service Award – presented to those physicians or scientists who have made outstanding contributions to this Society and/or the field of anesthesiology in the State of Illinois.
Nominations for the Award may be submitted by an Active, Honorary, or Life member of this Society to the most recent Past President at least sixty days prior to the annual meeting of the House of Delegates. Current ISA officers are not eligible for selection.
Do you know someone you would like to nominate? Contact us and tell us why at contact@isahq.org
William O. McQuiston Award – presented to an outstanding clinical anesthesiologist who has made and communicated significant contributions to the practice of anesthesiology in the spirit of William O. McQuiston, MD.
Ralph Waters Award – awarded to a physician or scientist who has made outstanding contributions to the field of anesthesiology as a medical discipline in the spirit of Ralph M. Waters, MD. Candidates are selected by the Ralph Waters Commission.